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Definition

The trigone is a part of the lower bladder. Trigonitis is inflammation of this area.

The Bladder

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Causes

Trigonitis is caused by a change in cells of this area. It is not clear why this happens in some people and not others. The change may be related to:

  • Bladder irritation
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Hormones

Risk Factors

Trigonitis is more common in women. It may also be more likely in those that have catheters in place for a long period of time.

Symptoms

Trigonitis may cause:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Problems passing urine
  • An increase in the urge to urinate

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. Tests may be done to rule out other problems that cause same symptoms. Tests may include

  • Urine tests
  • Urine culture
  • Blood tests

Treatment

Trigonitis may pass on its own. Others may need treatment to ease symptoms. Medicine may help to:

  • Ease bladder spasms or pain
  • Treat any infections that may be present (antibiotics)

Prevention

Catheters increase the risk of trigonitis. Limiting use and length of use may decrease the risk.

RESOURCES:

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
https://familydoctor.org

Urology Care Foundation
http://www.urologyhealth.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Urological Association
http://www.cua.org

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

REFERENCES:

Cheung WW, Kawa S. Trigonitis. Medscape website. Available at: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/438185-overview. Accessed September 3, 2020.

Complicated urinary tract infection (UTI). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/complicated-urinary-tract-infection-uti. Accessed September 3, 2020.

Stavropoulos M, Papatsoris AG, Konstantinidis C, Chrisofos M. Pseudomembranous trigonitis: a common but underrecognized urological entity. Adv Urol. 2010;2010:269254 Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2997493.

Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrienne Carmack, MD  Last Updated: 9/3/2020